CHS 2.03 Test Game TheElf vs. Nomad

[jwilkerson]

ORIGINAL: TheElf

ORIGINAL: Feurer Krieg

Yay! Its off the ground! [&o]

Okay, I will be a bit critical - maybe just a matter of taste, but I don't need to see all those pastes from the combat reports. You can always just attach it (but not embed) for those who want to read it. My 2 cents, feel free to ignore me.

Good idea...

Of course, I love the graphic pastes (but don't need the text combat reports).

[denisonh]

Nice touch Hornet jockey.

Good reading and good visuals! Kudos my man.

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

ORIGINAL: TheElf

ORIGINAL: Feurer Krieg

Yay! Its off the ground! [&o]

Okay, I will be a bit critical - maybe just a matter of taste, but I don't need to see all those pastes from the combat reports. You can always just attach it (but not embed) for those who want to read it. My 2 cents, feel free to ignore me.

Good idea...

Of course, I love the graphic pastes (but don't need the text combat reports).

[TheElf]

ORIGINAL: denisonh

Nice touch Hornet jockey.

Good reading and good visuals! Kudos my man.

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson

ORIGINAL: TheElf


Good idea...

Of course, I love the graphic pastes (but don't need the text combat reports).

Thanks dude, and as to your PM I'm game...

[denisonh]

Lets see how the test goes, and then go from there....

Keep up the fire. It is shaping up a a great AAR.

ORIGINAL: TheElf

ORIGINAL: denisonh

Nice touch Hornet jockey.

Good reading and good visuals! Kudos my man.

ORIGINAL: jwilkerson




Of course, I love the graphic pastes (but don't need the text combat reports).

Thanks dude, and as to your PM I'm game...

[Andrew Brown]

ORIGINAL: TheElf
With a little luck the damage caused at Pearl will tell. Hoping that a couple more BBs founder in the harbor. Would help make the higher than historical losses to KB easier to take. Man that was tough to watch...

The PH AA losses seem much too high to me, so I am reviewing the reasons for this and what to do about it. This may slow down the next update a little (CHS 2.04).

Andrew

[TheElf]

ORIGINAL: Andrew Brown

ORIGINAL: TheElf
With a little luck the damage caused at Pearl will tell. Hoping that a couple more BBs founder in the harbor. Would help make the higher than historical losses to KB easier to take. Man that was tough to watch...

The PH AA losses seem much too high to me, so I am reviewing the reasons for this and what to do about it. This may slow down the next update a little (CHS 2.04).

Andrew

I don't know AB...they were high, but whose to say I just didn't get a bad AAA roll? I would be concerned if my losses were the lower limit of a range of losses that were all too high, but what if mine are just the upper limit of the bell curve?

Maybe we need a bigger sample?

[Ron Saueracker]

ORIGINAL: Andrew Brown

ORIGINAL: TheElf
With a little luck the damage caused at Pearl will tell. Hoping that a couple more BBs founder in the harbor. Would help make the higher than historical losses to KB easier to take. Man that was tough to watch...

The PH AA losses seem much too high to me, so I am reviewing the reasons for this and what to do about it. This may slow down the next update a little (CHS 2.04).

Andrew

Is this CHS the NikMod augmented AA one? I don't like the AA modifications at all.

[TheElf]

ORIGINAL: Ron Saueracker

ORIGINAL: Andrew Brown

ORIGINAL: TheElf
With a little luck the damage caused at Pearl will tell. Hoping that a couple more BBs founder in the harbor. Would help make the higher than historical losses to KB easier to take. Man that was tough to watch...

The PH AA losses seem much too high to me, so I am reviewing the reasons for this and what to do about it. This may slow down the next update a little (CHS 2.04).

Andrew

Is this CHS the NikMod augmented AA one? I don't like the AA modifications at all.

AAA was not touched as far as I know. AB, would be the one to confirm this.

[TheElf]

Dec 8, 1941:

A relatively quiet second day to the war. Most of the Action occurs in the wee morning hours of the 8th as ABDA forces attempt to stall the inevitable. PT's, DD's, and the USS Houston all desperatley hurl themselves into the fray with seeming disregard to sound naval doctrine or their own well being.

The Kido Butai retires from Pearl to lick it's wounds, and begins prepping for it's next assignment. Around the Map Imperial Japanese Army and Special Naval landing forces pour onto beachheads. Guam and Vigan fall. ASW task forces are being detailed to patrol coastal areas near our landings to battle the inevitable counterattacks from submarines, like so many moths to a flame...

Reinforcements are enroute to Wake to bolster the tattered SNLF that holds on by a thread. Obviously Imperial planners did not forsee the resolve of this tiny atoll's USMC defenders. Perhaps "sloth" does not characterize ALL American services...?

Several move have been made to reinforce and make use of newly won Airfields. This will lead to less Aerial action in the next day or so as Morale and Fatigue become daily concerns.

Plans are underway for the second phase of our opening battleplan, and the order has been given to select infantry units to begin embarkation and prepare to ship out. As soon as the proper escorts have been freed up from other endeavors, other areas of the SRA will feel the humiliation already cast upon the Americans at Pearl and in the PI, and the Brits in Malaysia.



[center]
Capt Ester of the AK Kalgan, has his hopes of nursing his wounded
vessel back to port dashed by I-158[/center]

Sub attack at 27,44

Japanese Ships
SS I-158

Allied Ships
AK Kalgan, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


Night Actions:

[center]
ABDA Command targets Embarkation points
as likely weak points in the Mighty IJ Navy's Operational plan...[/center]
Night Time Surface Combat, near Pescadores at 47,44

Japanese Ships
CL Naka
DD Natsugumo
DD Minegumo
DD Asagumo
DD Murasame
DD Harusame
DD Yudachi
DD Samidare

Allied Ships
PT MTB 12
PT MTB 26, Shell hits 6, and is sunk
PT MTB 27, Shell hits 6, and is sunk

All three of these MTB's will be at the bottom of the bay before sun up, as will the DD Thracian and others...

The Last Ride of the Galloping Ghost

[center]
The USS Houston Seen here returning to Manila Bay Pre-war, is the Centerpoint of the US Far East Fleet[/center]

Captain's Report 8DEC41, 0426
Subj: Night action in Defense of Legaspi landing
Loc: 15nm SSE of Legaspi

-0314 Captain of Minegumo flashes "Possible enemy contact sighted bearing 215 True, 5,000 yds"

-0315 General Quarters

-0317 Order formation Turn to 210 True and assume Line ahead formation; prepare for Long Lance attack.

-0320 Enemy Cruiser sighted Bearing 225 true 4,000yds

-0321 Flash "Execute Long Lance, offest 180 true"...

With rehearsed precision, the ships of Captain Satsumoto's Escort group swing their rudders to port and assume 180 attack axis from which to launch their deadly attack. The range closes rapidly and at 4,000 yds, torpedo mount crews let fly their 24in Type 93 Torpedos.

It is apparent that their quarry is not aware of its peril, as it makes not effort to avoid the incoming fish. Gun Batteries are ordered to hold fire so as not to spook the enemy into evasive maneuvers, the fish swim on.

"No Escorts sighted!" Reports the bridge lookout

Captain Satsumoto's astonishment is hidden in dim lighting of the Nagara's bridge. "A lone Samurai then...?"

It seems the battle will be over sooner than one would expect, until at the last moment the enemy Cruiser heels hard to starboard and and opens up with her forward batteries. All hopes of an early victory fade, and the order to open fire is passed.

No high order detonations are seen as the Torpedo officer calls out "impact!" And stops his watch. It is going to be a long fight...



Capt. Satsumoto's Light Cruiser Nagara and her Escorts hurl 5in shells at the US Heavy Cruiser. Round after round strike home like so many hammer blows, but lack the penetrating power to deliver the desired effect. When the 8in guns of the now identifed USS Houston open up the story is drastically different. The first to feel the wrath of the Galloping Ghost is the Destroyer Yamakaze. A salvo of 8in Shells rip into her thin hull and immediate produce fires and belching smoke, the proud ship immediately slows and heels to port.

Meanwhile other ships contiue to loose torpedoes as the behemoth that has wandered into their midst deftly evades. The only hope for victory lies in a lucky hit, 5in guns are no match for this belt armor.

Committed to the fight both sides close to 2,000 yds. 5 & 8in shells cross in the night and Torpedos are flung at the Ghost who seems to realize it's newfound advantage...then without warning the night sky is illuminated by what can only be a high order detonation of a type 93 Torpedo. Success! The tables turn yet again, the ghost slows and the new hunter becomes the hunted once again.

Satsumoto orders the attack to be pressed home, with the Galloping Ghost slowing to a meager trot, it is no time to hesitate...

Night Time Surface Combat, near Legaspi at 45,54


Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 4 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CL Nagara, Shell hits 2
DD Yamakaze, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Kawakaze, Shell hits 3
DD Umikaze
DD Suzukaze
DD Shiokaze

Allied Ships
CA Houston, Shell hits 43, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
------------------------------------------
In true Samurai fashion the Destroyer Inazuma, stricken in action the previous day happens upon two undamaged Allied Gunboats and dispatches them both...

Night Time Surface Combat at 45,44

Japanese Ships
DD Inazuma, on fire

Allied Ships
PG Cicala, Shell hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
PG Tutuila, Shell hits 12, on fire, heavy damage
-----------------------------------------
[center]

Oh, So Close[/center]

Sub attack at 42,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-124

Allied Ships
AV Langley
MSW Bittern

Wake is Visited By Nells in order to relieve the troops on the beachead. Reinforcements are on the way...
Day Air attack on Wake Island , at 85,72

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 53

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1
---------------------------

China Offensive:

Preparations are being made for an offensive against Changsa.
Simultaneously Units of the China Expeditionary Army are moving in the South toward Wuchow.
Once Changsa falls, Wuchow Force will move north then East to Hengchow...

Dive Bombers attached
to China Expeditionary Army
prep the 28th Chinese Corps
on the road to Changsa...


Fort's stalk wounded ships during the day

Daylight brings no reprieve for the crew of the Yamakaze. Having survived a direct hit from the Houstons 8in guns B-17s find her in the morning and give a scare to the exhausted crew...

Day Air attack on TF at 46,56


Allied aircraft
B-17D Fortress x 6


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yamakaze, on fire, heavy damage
-------------------------------------

The enemy has decided to use his P-40s in an anti-shipping role. So far, it has been to our advantage...


P-40E's of the 17th Pursuit Sqdn vainly
attempt to disrupt our landings

Day Air attack on TF at 44,48


Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW W.15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Vigan at 44,49


Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 29


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Bokuyo Maru
AK Hawaii Maru
MSW W.9

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 44,48


Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 23


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Ozan Maru
PC Ch 15
MSW W.19



The Troop ship USS President Harrison is caught in the open...

Day Air attack on TF at 49,45

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 13
Ki-27 Nate x 4
Ki-36 Ida x 7

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AP President Harrison, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage



MORE TO COME...

[FeurerKrieg]

Is this an 'open' AAR or is Nomad off limits here?

[TheElf]

I haven't forbidden him to look, but I assume he won't be visiting here since he has his own AAR.

[TheElf]

Nomad and I are having a small technical issue with A.B.'s Extneded Map. Nothing at all to do with the product, more user error. With all of the upgrading I did of WitP 1.6 --> 1.8 incremental ---> 1.801, and the installation of all the CHS files(in no particular order), I seem to have botched the Extended map portion of the install. The result is that I have been using the Map data file for the Standard AB map, and Nomad has been using the proper Extended Map data file.

The result is that one turn the Greyed out areas near Panama and Aden are open, the next they are not. This has caused an Allied TF to get "Stuck" somewhere SE of Aden. Not a show stopper. A.B.'s FAQ addresses this eventuality and we have taken the necessary steps to rectify the issue. With some luck we should have everything back to normal by the next turn.

A possible side effect of this could be the Sync Bug that Nomad has been reporting. Hopefully all will be well next turn. My Dec 9th report is coming up....

Lesson learned. Have WitP at the Version you want to play before you install the CHS or CHS map files you plan to play. This should mitigate and possible errors during installtion relating to overwriting files and such!

[TheElf]

Dec 9, 1941

SITREP:

Operations against the ABDA continue to run smoothly. Across the map the woefully underprepared forces of the British, Dutch, and Americans impotently attempt to thwart our advances. Imperial Japanese superiority cannot be denied. Legaspi and Makin have fallen.

ACTIONS OF NOTE:

In Malaya the first large IJAAF sweep By Ki-43s produced little, yet we remain optimistic. The aircrew are still not familiar with their new mounts. Singora airfield is now open and providing active support for our forces there and at Kota Bharu. A single Shotai of the Yamada datai covered the beachhead at Kota Bharu scoring several kills and damaging many enemy aircraft. Commendations for the 3 brave pilots are forthcoming

In the Philipines, enemy PT Boats continue to mount small scale raids on our beachheads only to be obliterated by our escorting Cruisers & Destroyers.Overnight saw the 1st night attacks by American patrol Aircraft. None succeeded. Sweeps of Clark and Manila are not fruitful as the enemy prefers not to engage in Air to Air combat, but instead uses his fighters to harmlessly hurl small bombs at our merchantmen.

Force Z has not made an appearance yet, but 4th Fleet intel is certain that this asset will not be withheld for long. The question remains: where will the Royal Navy appear, and will we be ready for them?

US mercantmen flee the Philipines. Our overwhelming presence causes them to scatter like so many cockroaches. Unescorted targets abound and our elite Submarine force has begun to take advantage of the rich hunting grounds.


Sub attack at 42,52

Japanese Ships
SS I-124

Allied Ships
AK Mayon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

PBY Catalinas appear overhead our ships in the black of the night. Lookouts are able to spot these potentially deadly ships by their exhaust flame. Some of them have reamrked how they resemble a Cat's eyes in the night. So far, despite many attempts, no damage has been done.


Night Air attack on TF at 44,48


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 10


Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kikuryu Maru
MSW Choun Maru #6
AP Terukuni Maru

Allied Ships
AK Compagnia Filipinas

Vigan Beachhead, Bridge of IMJS AK Arizona Maru 0230:

"Lt Sobe, how many more crates of rice do we have left to offload?"

"Sir, as of.." ca-THUNK!!!!

"What in the name of Buddha's big toe was that?"


Sub attack near Vigan at 44,49

Japanese Ships
AK Arizona Maru
PC Ch 32
PC Ch 18
PC Ch 17
PC Ch 16
PC Ch 15
PC Takunan Maru #5
PC Shonan Maru #17
MSW W.16

Allied Ships
SS S-37

The Straits of Malacca are equally fertile gounds for our submarine forces. This narrow bottleneck should prove to be quite deadly to allied vessels attempting to flee Singapore for India...



Sub attack at 22,46

Japanese Ships
SS I-122

Allied Ships
AK Vitorlock, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

The IJAAF newest fighter made it's first sortie in force today on a sweep of the Georgetown Aerodrome. Heavy resistance was predicted by Army intelligence and by informants actually on the ground at the target field. An otherwise successful sortie was marred by an unfortunate incident when witnesses reported Lt. Takayama of the 64th Sentai was killed and his Hayabusa lost to structural failure.

Maj Kato stated,"Takayama had just put a long burst into a "Brit" Brewster from a high side attack. During his recovery from the run his wings folded like that of a butterfly...I watched his Buffalo impact the earth not far from Takayama's own machine."


Lt Takayama of the 64th Sentai scores the first Hayabusa kill
of the war with the West then perishes in a freak accident


A sweep of Satellite fields in the Philipines produced nothing in the way of enemy air activity. The skies above Luzon belong to us...
Day Air attack on Lingayen , at 43,50

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 36
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Wake Island , at 85,72

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 48

Allied aircraft
no flights

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
36 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 2

The road to Changsa is being paved by close coordination and support between ground units and Army cooperation aircraft. This new form of air to ground warfare is showing great promise in the war against China


Day Air attack on 38th Chinese Corps, at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 7
Ki-51 Sonia x 10

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 7 damaged

The first Offensive ground support missions flown from Enemy soil were conducted today form Singora Aerodrome in Thailand. Singora is now open for business...


Enemy targets in Malaysia are struck
from newly opened fields in Thailand

The 2nd Shotai/1st Chutai of the Yamada Datai was all that stood between the Beachhead at Kota Bharu and the many formations of enemy aircraft that attacked our forces there. 5 Aircraft were confirmed destroyed, and 6 damaged. If not for the warrior spirit of these three fine pilots, what little damage that was done could have been catastrophic!


Day Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Haruna

Day Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Swordfish x 7
Buffalo I x 17
Blenheim I x 5
Hudson I x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Swordfish: 2 destroyed, 3 damaged
Buffalo I: 4 destroyed, 1 damaged
Hudson I: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Haruna

Day Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Mikuma



Day Air attack on TF, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 3

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Fukko Maru, Bomb hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
24 casualties reported


Having little succes at Kota Bharu, afternoon raids target Singora, with marginal success...

Day Air attack on TF, near Singora at 24,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 3
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
Blenheim I x 6
Hudson I x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 5 damaged

Japanese Ships
AV Kamikawa Maru, Bomb hits 1, on fire
--------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Singora at 24,43

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 3
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 6

Allied aircraft
Hudson I x 3

No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
AP Ayato Maru

The Malacca Straits are equally dangerous during daylight hours...
Day Air attack on TF, near Malacca at 22,48

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Jupiter
PC Raub, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Vendetta, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage


PTs return to Aparri suring the day, and are no more effective than the previous night...

Day Time Surface Combat, near Aparri at 45,49

Japanese Ships
AV Sanyo Maru
AV Sanuki Maru
CA Maya
CA Ashigara
CL Kuma
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
PT PT-35, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PT PT-41, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
PT Q 111
PT Q 112

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Time Surface Combat, near Aparri at 45,49

Japanese Ships
AV Sanyo Maru
AV Sanuki Maru
CA Maya
CA Ashigara
CL Kuma
DD Asakaze
DD Matsukaze

Allied Ships
PT Q 111, Shell hits 7, and is sunk
PT Q 112, Shell hits 9, and is sunk

Naval Intelligence at 4th Fleet have debriefed several crews of ABDA ships sunk near the Malacca Straits. They refer to the area as Torpedo Junction...

Sub attack at 23,51

Japanese Ships
SS I-154

Allied Ships
AK Federlock, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

The two largest land battles are at Kota Bharu and Hong Kong. As each force consolidates the pre-attack bombardments have risen in intensity. It is only a matter of a day or two before the probes of each strongpoint are made and we determine the best possible avenue of attack.


Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23246 troops, 162 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 481

Defending force 25940 troops, 126 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 318



Allied ground losses:
55 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

-----------------------------

Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 19521 troops, 117 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 514

Defending force 8633 troops, 39 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 141



Allied ground losses:
160 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

[TheElf]

Dec 9, 1941

SITREP:

In Malaya, Intel proves correct as Force Z is belatedly thrown at the mass of IJ shipping anchored there. The 25th Army under General Yamashita is already preparing for a probe of the defenses at Kota Bhura. The beachhead is under constant attack from peicemeal formations of British level bombers and torpedo planes, and our Zeroes endure long flights to cover the exposed units there. A Heavy Bomber Sentai is sent against Georgetown Aerodrome in an effort to reduce the activity from there, and Tavoy is added to the IJAAF's Target List.

In the PI, night incursions by ragtag enemy PT units are repeatedly repulsed, while a new beachhead is established at Laoag with the intent of starting a new Airfield. The "Cat and Mouse" game between sub forces, Patrol Aircraft, and Escorts intensifies in and around Vigan, Aparri, Legaspi, and now Laoag. The American Surface fleet again makes an appearance south of Mindanao to ill-effect, and IJN air & Naval Air assets contiune to be the scourge of the Allied merchantmen. The first large Air raid against Manila produces good results and the enemy responds with P-40s attacking the CV Ryujo, will her luck hold out...?


Night Air attack on TF, near Aparri at 45,49


Allied aircraft
PBY Catalina x 6


Allied aircraft losses
PBY Catalina: 3 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Ashigara
CA Maya

0315 Bridge of the Supply ship Tensyo Maru, en route to Formosa...

"Thank Buddha we are out of Vigan!"

"Yeah, did you hear what happened to the Arizona Maru?"

"No, what hap.."ca-THUNK!!!!

"What the hell was that!?!?!"



Sub attack at 44,48

Japanese Ships
AK Tensyo Maru
PG Kure Maru #5
PG Chohakusan Maru
PG Chiyo Maru
PG Akitsu Maru
MSW Banshu Maru #56
MSW Banshu Maru #52

Allied Ships
SS S-38



Not all are as Lucky as the Tensyo and Arizona Maru

Sub attack at 46,48

Japanese Ships
AK Shojin Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Pickerel

Japanese ground losses:
81 casualties reported

The still of the night was shattered by the much anticipated arrival of Force Z at Kota Bharu. Admiral Kondo's Surface Action group, led by the Battleships Kongo and Haruna, were more than equal to the task of shielding the ongoing Amphibious operation near the shore. It is unlikely that the Royal Navy even glimpsed our beachhead. Using superior positioning and sharp lookouts, Kondo's force sighted the Enemy at 5,000yds and then "Crossed the T" to open the engagement. It was apparent in the 1st few moments that suprise was not a factor to either side, as the British open fire first from their lead ships. Unfortunately conditions were not right for the execution of our favored Long Lance attack, though several torpedoes found their mark throughout the conflagration.

As the battle was joined fire was traded between picket ships, the dark moonless night obscuring the larger capital ships from each other. The first to feel the power of the IJN was the RN Light Cruiser Danae, being caught on the Starboard bow by a type 93 Torpedo from the Heavy Cruiser Takao. The second casualty of the melee was the RN DD Express which suffered from the withering fire of the IJNS' Destroyers Michishio and Akatsuki.

We were not without our own losses however. The destroyer Arashio being closest to the enemy was the first to sight, and be sighted by, the Battleship Prince of Wales and soon thereafter became the mighty vessel's 1st wartime target. Having been holed by a 14in shell, she heaved to and commenced emergency damage control measures.


The 1st phase of the encounter saw each side's escorts trade fire and take damage

The second phase of the battle only served to illustrate the importance of initiative and proper positioning as the full broadsides of our ships were brought to bear against the line ahead formation of the British. Admiral Palliser, sensing a crucial juncture in the fight ordered a withdrawal under heavy fire from our Superior Fighting Sailors. Having arrived no closer than 5,000yds, the fight turned into a rout as the British desperately attempted to escape our forces. A costly maneuver as both the RN DD Express and CL Danae, lagging behind from previous wounds, took condsiderable punishment on behalf of the Repulse and Prince of Wales. Fortunately their sacrifice was not in vain as our lookouts observed no impacts from our larger caliber guns as the immense capital ships turned through 90 degrees and briefly traded broadsides...



Night Time Surface Combat, near Kota Bharu at 24,45

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo, Shell hits 1
BB Haruna, Shell hits 1
CA Takao
CA Atago, Shell hits 2
CL Jintsu
DD Asashio
DD Oshio, Shell hits 1
DD Michishio
DD Arashio, Shell hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Akatsuki, Shell hits 4, on fire
DD Hibiki, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
BB Prince of Wales, Shell hits 1
BC Repulse, Shell hits 1
CL Danae, Shell hits 14, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Tenedos
DD Vampire, Shell hits 2
DD Electra, Shell hits 1
DD Express, Shell hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

The battle for supremecy above and below the waves heats up in an epic battle worthy of it's own Cinema feature. The Story of APD 35 is but a short sidenote in the annals of history, yet to the crew of this proud ship and that of the enemy Submarine they hunted for 2 long hours, their encounter lasted for an eternity...


Just when they thought their quarry had escaped APD 35 picked up the trail and doggedly pursued
ASW attack at 46,45

Japanese Ships
APD Patrol Boat No. 36
APD Patrol Boat No. 35
APD Patrol Boat No. 34

Allied Ships
SS Porpoise, hits 7, on fire, heavy damage

10DEC41 TO BE CONTINUED

[TheElf]

...Dec 10, 1941 CONTINUED

During Daylight hours air raids abound. In Malaya Sally's are sent against Alor Star and Geroge Town to try and reduce the anti-shipping sorties that have appeared daily over Singora and Kota Bharu. Results have left the 3rd Air Division HQ wanting.

Today brought the most successful raid against target in the PI since the opening attack on Clark. 5 P-40s were confirmed killed over Manila and several more damaged in the air and on the ground. Supply depots were seen burning and craters in the runway were observed, though it is unlikely they put the large field out of service Our new Zeroes are having a field day against the faster, more powerfully engine Curtiss Fighter

Tavoy was struck for the first time by Lily's escorted by Nates from Bangkok. A new field has just been opened there for operations into Burma.

Day Air attack on Alor Star , at 24,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 1 damaged

Runway hits 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Georgetown , at 23,44

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-II Sally x 36
Ki-15 Babs x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21-II Sally: 12 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[center]
Zeroes from the 3rd Datai escort a mixed group of
Nells and Betty's to Manila. P-40s from there have
threatened our shipping and made several
unsuccessful attacks against the Light Carrier Ryujo [/center]
Day Air attack on Manila , at 43,52

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
G3M Nell x 27
G4M1 Betty x 26

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 13

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Guns lost 1
Vehicles lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In China Close Air Support in preparation of our coming offensive against Changsa from our Lt. Sentais has gone unchallenged even though intel and recon reports confirm the deployment of the AVG to the region. Their Shark toothed grin has been seen over Hong Kong, and Wuchow.



Day Air attack on 28th Chinese Corps, at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-51 Sonia x 10
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 10th Corps Corps, at 45,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 7
Ki-51 Sonia x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-51 Sonia: 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 58th Chinese Corps, at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 13
Ki-30 Ann x 10
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on No. 107 RAF Base Force, at 28,37

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 26
Ki-48-I Lily x 11

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-I Lily: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P-40s and B-17s have attacke dthe Ryujo Force daily, and have yet to score a hit. Perhaps I am pressing my luck here as the Claudes that provide CAP have only damaged a few Forts. The P-40s tend to come in unmolested...

Day Air attack on TF, near Guiuan at 46,54

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 3

Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 25

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed, 10 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Myoko
CVL Ryujo

The ships fleeing Hong Kong and the Philipines have a long hard road ahead of them, hazards appear from below the waves, upon them, and from above...

Day Air attack on TF at 40,44

Japanese aircraft
B5N2 Kate x 7

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N2 Kate: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PG Moth, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 37,46

Japanese aircraft
Ki-48-I Lily x 22

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Taiping, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Ormoc at 44,56

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 5
G4M1 Betty x 9

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
PG Luzon, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
PG Oahu, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Boac at 43,54

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 7
B5N2 Kate x 5

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Fortuna, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Ground Combat

A probe of Hong Kong's defenses shows that the defenders are woefully undermanned and cut off from any hope of supply. It is a matte of time, but how long??


Ground combat at Hong Kong

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23264 troops, 162 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 482

Defending force 25950 troops, 125 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 318

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Japanese max assault: 528 - adjusted assault: 566

Allied max defense: 313 - adjusted defense: 2590

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 4)


Japanese ground losses:
444 casualties reported
Guns lost 9

Allied ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


The Attack on Kota Bharu draws near...perhaps this bombardment will be nough to soften up the rattled defenders for a coup de gras.


Ground combat at Kota Bharu

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23381 troops, 159 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 518

Defending force 8422 troops, 30 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 136



Allied ground losses:
121 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aparri and Laoag fall wih no resistance. Soon these areas will be home to Army cooperation units that will support the advance on Clark and Manila...

Ground combat at Aparri
Ground combat at Laoag

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 10834 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 163

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 179 - adjusted assault: 181

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 181 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Aparri base !!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2107 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 26

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 12 - adjusted assault: 6

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Laoag base !!!

Here are the A2A Kills since Dec 7. As you can see the Oscar is not perfroming well...

[TheElf]

I am about 4 game days ahead of this AAR. I will try to catch up as things are very interesting, but I promised myself I would do a thorough job of reporting events as they happen. Unfortunately my format is time consuming...

[VSWG]

Time consuming, but a feast for the eyes! [:)]

Great work, and good luck!

[TheElf]

Thanks VSWG. Good to know someone is enjoying this!

[FeurerKrieg]

ORIGINAL: TheElf

I am about 4 game days ahead of this AAR. I will try to catch up as things are very interesting, but I promised myself I would do a thorough job of reporting events as they happen. Unfortunately my format is time consuming...

It gets easier as it goes, so I'm sure you'll be able to catch up during the slower days...

[1EyedJacks]

Hi Elf,

What are you using as an editor for the AAR - those pics/screenshots R excellent. Photoshop?